EKO is investigating a number of websites for suspected violations of the federal Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). 

 

The VPPA was enacted in 1988—a time when Americans regularly rented videotapes. Congress passed the law in response to the publication of Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork’s video rental history. The law prohibits a “video tape service provider” from “knowingly disclosing” a person’s personally identifiable information (PII) to third parties, unless the individual first provides their informed, written consent. Now, instead of Blockbuster, it is websites offering video content that may be running afoul of the VPPA.

 

Companies violate the VPPA by disclosing subscribers’ personal viewing information to Facebook (or others) without consent. Fines amount to $2,500 for every individual. Potential violators include: TechRadar, Tom's Guide, GamesRadar+, PC Gamer, and Space.

 

EKO’s investigation is focused on individuals who have subscription accounts with the companies listed above, use Google Chrome, and have a Facebook account. 

 

If you believe your viewing information may have been disclosed without your permission, you can contact an EKO attorney.